M4 Junction 11 – Reading

Junction 11 of the M4 isn’t one we ever stop at and I’m not overly familiar with free places to stop. Having taken a look at google maps, you do have a McDonalds heading up the A33 towards reading. And a B&Q. But who want’s stop stop there really.

If you’re looking for something free then continue to junction 10 if travelling east and head to Dinton Pastures. Or if travelling west, get off at junction 12 for a more convenient Maccy Ds stop.

If you did want to spend longer then south along the A33 is Wellington Country Park. It isn’t free though and will set you back 12 quid per adult.

M4 Junction 10 – Reading

Your best bet at junction 10 is Dinton Pastures. It has a wonderful chidlren’s play area, a lake, café, places to walk and toilets. And even better, it’s located 3.9 miles (7 mins) from M4 Junction 10. Keep some change for the car park as it isn’t free. But it’s well worth the stop off here. Location: RG10 0TH.

M4 Junction 8/9 – Maidenhead

Now junction 8 and 9 threw me a bit as they didn’t appear on Google maps! It turns out this is the only junction in the whole of the UK to be dual numbered. Two junctions in one.

For a good place to stop here, try Ockwells Park. It’s is just off the M4 junction 8/9 and is perfect for a rainy day stop as there is a soft play! If it’s good weather then there is an outside play area, with sandpit, as well as playing fields to have a run around on. There’s also a café and toilets onsite, and bonus, free parking!

M4 Junction 7 – Cippenham

Again, not a junction I’m overly familiar with but Cippenham recreation ground seems to have a play area if travelling with kids.

If you’re a National Trust member though, you may want to head to Dorney Court & Kitchen Garden. It’s just over ½ a mile from the M4. Just follow the A4 towards Maidenhead and you’ll see the brown signs. There’s a playground for kids and plenty of gardens to explore.

M4 Junction 6 – Slough

Junction 6 isn’t far from the M25 and we’ve never stopped here before. I’d like to make a detour though because Burnham Beeches located just 4 miles (10 mins) from the M4 sounds lovely. It would make a good stop if you’re on the M40 nearing London too.

There are plenty of walking trails to explore, as well as a café and toilets. Little ones will love exploring the woods, and the area is dog-friendly too. Parking will set you back a couple of quid. Location: SL2 3TE.

M4 Junction 5 – Langley and Slough

If you’re looking for a stop at junction 5, take a look at Kedermister park. It’s just a short drive from the M4 heading north-west. There’s parking, toilets and a play area for the kids.

Or drive a little further on the A4 London Road to Upton Court Park. This is Sloughs largest park with woodland areas and a playground.

Junction 4b is where the M4 meets the M25, and well, we’re usually sat there for quite a while! I’ll continue to search for places to stop and I’ll publish an M25 post soon. This motorway is a pain really because between the M4 and Hertfordshire, there are literally no stops. If B needs a wee, it’s time to get out a bottle!

If you have any suggestions for making this post even more informative then please email me or message me on social media!Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!